COLORADO SPRINGS —First, the Colorado Springs Planning Commission delivered a tongue-lashing on Thursday. Then it delivered a 6-1 verdict denying a request to let three Dublin Terrace Townhomes remain as built — larger buildings than were approved by the city on a higher elevation than allowed.

The question likely will be appealed to the City Council at an upcoming meeting.

The vote came after about three hours of emotional testimony and lively debate. The climax came with the commissioners’ harsh assessment of the situation and the actions of the defunct developer Todays Homes and its parent company, Unity Builders Group of Calgary, Canada.

Neither business was represented, so left to face some withering criticism was Andrew Checkley, the St. Louis-based receiver appointed to sort out the bankruptcy.

Commissioner Robert Shonkwiler expressed anger at Checkley’s handling of the three townhome buildings, which have sat vacant for nearly a year. Two buildings were completed and furnished, but left to suffer vandalism and theft. The third remains unfinished and exposed to the elements.

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